Upper Spencer Gulf Mayors Canberra Bound 10/04/2019

Following the release of their five priorities for the Upper Spencer Gulf in late March, a delegation from Whyalla, Port Pirie and Port Augusta Councils have been in Canberra pushing for a commitment from political parties, Ministers and South Australian Senators for: 1. A skilled migration and decentralisation programme tailored to meet the specific needs of the Upper Spencer Gulf.

2. Investment into strategic port, rail, air and road infrastructure to secure the long term economic transition of the Upper Spencer Gulf

3. Additional Commonwealth supported university places and operational funding for the Upper Spencer Gulf Regional Study Hub to enable students to stay, study and work locally.

4. A strong, credible and evidence-based national energy policy to provide stability and certainty for investment in the Upper Spencer Gulf.

5. Coordinated and collaborative investment into civic initiatives in Port Augusta, Whyalla and Port Pirie to foster well-planned city growth and liveability.

The delegation met with South Australian Senators , , Lucy Gichuhi, Alex Gallacher, and the Shadow Minister for Regions, Stephen Jones.

Additional meetings with SA Senators , , Sarah Hanson- Young, and Shadow Minister for Energy Mark Butler have also been foreshadowed.

Chair of Spencer Gulf Cities, Mayor Leon Stephens notes that investment in mining and processing, renewable energy, arid agriculture, defence and tourism is providing the region with a base to become cleaner, more innovative, liveable and economically diverse.

“We are at a pivotal – but vulnerable - stage in our economic transition”

“We need our elected representatives and the next Federal Government to be actively working with us to make the most of this ‘once in a generation’ economic transformation and ensure our communities come out of this transition stronger, more resilient and more economically diverse.”

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Contact: Mayor Leon Stephens, Chair of Spencer Gulf Cities Mob: 0417 080 961 Mayor Clare McLaughlin, Whyalla City Council Mob: 0417 846 025 Mayor Brett Benbow, Port Augusta Council Mob: 0419 423 777 Photo 1: (L to R) Port Pirie Deputy Mayor Alan Zubrinich, Whyalla Council CEO Chris Cowley, Port Pirie Mayor Leon Stephens, Whyalla Mayor Clare McLaughlin, Port Augusta Mayor Brett Benbow, in Canberra to promote the Upper Spencer Gulf election priorities

Photo 2: With Shadow Minister for Regions, Stephen Jones

Photo 3: With SA Senator and Assistant Minister for International Development and the Pacific, Hon Anne Ruston